Akemi Matsubuchi
Article written by Maureen Ames, IACC Member

At the September 14, 2017 meeting, we were treated to guest speaker Akemi Matsubuchi. As a professional photographer for over 25 years and an instructor at NAIT, she is more than qualified to speak about "Critiquing Images."
 
Akemi stressed that the vocabulary and tone of a critique are important. Feedback makes us vulnerable, and a critique should be a learning process. She shared a couple of catch phrases that could be used to lead into comments that may be interpreted as being critical: 'room for opportunity,' and 'moving forward.'

Akemi also described the four parts of a critique that are noteworthy:

• impact
• composition
• technical quality
• presentation.

 
The goal of a critique is to help a photographer learn and grow. It points out what the photographer is doing well, and what he/she could try differently.
 
Akemi packed a lot of information into a short presentation.
I know we all look forward to learning more from her in
​the future.

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Further Details about Four Parts of a Critque

Impact
Carefully interpret topics within a shared culture

• does the image grab or hold attention?
• is the image telling us something beyond the obvious; e.g., a story/visual information/uniqueness
• can the viewer understand the image and the message without the use of words? 
• is the image inspiring/creative?
• did the image maker think outside the box?
• does it address the theme?

 
Composition

• is there a centre of interest/emphasis?
• is there a flow to the composition?
• does it include elements/principles of design?

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Technical Quality
Consider form/shape/depth/texture/direction/mood & emotion

• lighting – is there dimension using light?
• does the chosen lighting style ‘fit’ the image?
• is there an accurate or artistic use of colour?
• if using selective depth of field, is the chosen focus point ideal?
• did the camera angle and lens selection make it an interesting image?

 
Presentation
“Says” something about your value of the image

• does the mat style and colour fit the image?
• are the cuts clean and is the matting straight?
• does it add value to the image?
• did the image maker show a high level of skill in post-processing?​  

Akemi Matsubuchi © photo credit Gilles Simard

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"A photographer’s growth, both technical and artistic, is a lifelong pursuit. An essential part of growth is the giving and receiving of feedback. Both these parts can be intimidating and a few tips of how to navigate these landmines are starting points for a healthy dialogue around image critiquing." - Akemi Matsubuchi
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Website: www.matsubuchi.ca
Facebook: Akemi Matsubuchi Photography - https://www.facebook.com/akemimatsubuchiphotography/
Linked In: Akemi Matsubuchi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/akemi-matsubuchi-27a2b330/

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Akemi Matsubuchi © photo credit Clayton Reitzel

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Akemi also shared a link for creative inspiration (for those who like travel and like photographing people) and it speaks to how intent is so important in creating images:  https://petapixel.com/2016/10/29/vulnerability-key-great-art/
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Workshop presented by Akemi (Oct 5)

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